October 15, 2008

MANITOWOC, Wis., Oct. 15, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orion Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:OESX) has been named a finalist for two esteemed awards: the Platts Global Energy Award - often dubbed the "Oscars of Energy" - and the Plant Engineering magazine 2008 Product of the Year.

Orion was named a finalist in Platts' new "Sustainable Technology Innovation of the Year" which, according to Platts, recognizes "the enormous efforts currently going into technology research and development in the quest for a carbon neutral world."

Plant Engineering magazine named Orion a finalist for its 2008 Product of the Year category for Orion's patented direct renewable Apollo Solar Light Pipe.

The Apollo Solar Light Pipe harvests daylight and focuses it to the workspace using no electricity. The rooftop-installed device can replace electric lights for up to 10 hours a day and has been installed in facilities for corporate giants Coca-Cola, Apple, and Polo Ralph Lauren.

As a finalist, the Apollo Solar Light Pipe will be featured in Plant Engineering's November issue and its readers will select the winning product.

"We're extremely honored to be named finalists for these prestigious awards," said Orion President and CEO Neal Verfuerth. "It further validates that technology designed to reduce energy consumption and waste is moving to the forefront of innovative solutions to the energy crisis."

The Platts award winners will be announced on Dec. 3 in New York City. The Plant Engineering magazine winners will be announced on March 30, 2009, in Charleston, S.C.

Orion has deployed its energy management systems in 3,762 facilities across North America. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced more than 357 megawatts, saving customers more than $401 million and reducing indirect carbon dioxide emissions by 3.6 million tons.

About Orion Energy Systems Inc.

Orion Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:OESX) is a leading power technology enterprise that designs, manufactures and implements energy management systems, consisting primarily of high-performance, energy-efficient lighting systems, controls and related services for commercial and industrial customers without compromising their quantity or quality of light. For more information, visit www.oriones.com.

The Orion Energy Systems, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4540

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